TOKYO — Japan plans to address automobile safety standards for imported vehicles as part of its ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, following concerns raised by President Donald Trump over the low number of American cars entering the Japanese market, Nikkei Asia reported on Sunday.
Amid discussions on tariff reductions, Tokyo is reportedly considering easing its automobile crash test requirements as a possible bargaining measure. The move comes in response to longstanding U.S. complaints that Japan’s vehicle safety certification process acts as a non-tariff trade barrier.
During a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, Trump told Japan’s Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Ryosei Akazawa that American cars are underperforming in Japan’s auto market. He also emphasized his administration’s priority to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with Japan.
Japan adheres to a 1958 UN agreement on unified vehicle certification and testing standards. However, while the U.S. takes part in the agreement's discussions, it retains its own regulatory framework and permits automakers to self-certify their safety standards.
Consequently, U.S. vehicles imported into Japan must undergo additional Japanese type certification — a process that can take several months and adds cost and complexity for American manufacturers. In a report released in March, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office identified these differing standards as a significant non-tariff barrier.
On a separate note, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday said his government will not combine security issues with trade negotiations, pushing back on suggestions that Japan should contribute more to its own defense as part of tariff talks.
“I don't think it is appropriate to discuss security and trade together. We should address security issues without linking them to tariffs,” Ishiba told Kyodo News.
Currently, Japanese imports face a baseline U.S. tariff of 10%, part of a 24% reciprocal tariff arrangement under the Trump administration’s broader trade agenda. — Agencies
